Chevrolet has officially announced the specs of the diesel-powered version of the 2014 Cruze. The 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine generates 148hp and 258 pound-foot of torque. Chevrolet promises that the clean diesel engine will achieve 42 mpg on highway, which oddly enough is the same as the $5,000 cheaper Cruze ECO. The vehicle will also accelerate to 60 mph in 8.6 with its standard six-speed automatic transmission.

According to Chevrolet, clean diesel engines generate at least 90% less nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions compared to previous generation diesel power plants. In order to achieve its “clean” status, the engine uses urea injection that is supplied from a 17-liter tank. As a result, customers will lose a bit of trunk space to accommodate the urea tank. Another downside is that the tank will need to be refilled every 10,000 miles.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”

The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be priced from $25,695 including destination charge. The vehicle comes with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

It doesn't cost $1000 for a clutch job. You must be thinking of automatic transmission rebuilds which do cost somewhere in that neighborhood. Also, never replaced a clutch every 2 to 3 years either. The only time I've ever replaced a clutch was when I owned a car for 12 years (250,000 miles) and I did that one once. Manual cars are FAR cheaper to own than autos not to mention they're simple to repair/replace if you're a DIYer. I know gearheads that won't touch an auto tranny.

I will agree that today's autos are more efficient than manuals and shift faster and more consistently than any human. My wife's new BMW X1 has an 8 speed auto that's simply fantastic. I'm so impressed by it that my next car will either have that transmission or a dual clutch.